Iowa Sports Betting: Best Iowa Betting Sites in 2024

Top 6 Iowa sports betting sites

The top six Iowa betting sites offer enticing sign-up bonuses, competitive odds, and best-in-class mobile apps. Here are our picks for the best Iowa sportsbooks in 2024:

1. BetMGM Iowa

$1,500 in Bonus Bets

Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

CVRBONUS1500

Claim $1,500

Backed by one of the most iconic names in U.S. betting history, BetMGM provides Iowa's most well-rounded online sportsbook in 2024. You can enjoy access to one of the top sportsbook rewards programs in the country, a user-friendly mobile platform, sharp lines for a wealth of sporting markets, and more when you register with BetMGM Sportsbook. You can also score up to $1,500 in bonus bets when you sign up with 'CVRBONUS1500', which is our exclusive BetMGM Iowa bonus code. 

Browse our BetMGM Sportsbook review for a deep dive into the online operator. 

• App Store rating: 4.8/5 (iOS), 4.3/5 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $1,500 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 2 days

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2. FanDuel Iowa

Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Months of NBA League Pass

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min $5 and get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins.

Claim $150

With FanDuel Iowa, you can strap in for a steady flow of odds boosts and unique bet types, including same-game parlays and a comprehensive live betting section. FanDuel also operates a brilliant sportsbook app, fully equipped with all the bells and whistles, and is our pick for the country's best football betting app. 

Check out our FanDuel Review for a more in-depth breakdown of the sportsbook.

• App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Months of NBA League Pass
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

3. bet365 Iowa

Bet $5, get $150

Code: COVERS

 Claim $150

$1,000 First Bet Safety Net

Code: COVERS

 Claim $1,000 

bet365 established its Iowa sports betting roots recently, and with it, one of the very best online sports betting apps in North America. Seamless navigation and a neatly packaged menu highlight the bet365 mobile experience.

Iowa-based bettors are treated to frequent regular odds boosts, favorable terms and conditions on bonus bets, and, much like Iowa's vast corn fields, a ton of betting options with fair odds. Use bet365 bonus code 'COVERS' to learn about its enticing welcome bonuses and promos.

Refer to our bet365 Review for more expert analysis.

• App Store rating: 4.7 (iOS), 3.4 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $150 in bonus bets or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

4. Caesars Sportsbook Iowa

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Code: COVERSBONUS1000

Claim $1,000

New Caesars customers are winners right out of the gate, courtesy of the '$1,000 First Bet on Caesars' promo. Caesars' renowned rewards program follows with perks for active bettors. The sportsbook's mobile app is among the best in the business, and its first-class customer support team ensures users receive proper attention and care.

Read our Caesars Sportsbook Review for more on Iowa's best sportsbook.

• App Store rating: 4.6 (iOS); 4.4 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

5. DraftKings Iowa

Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + $1K Deposit Bonus

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min. $5 and get $150 in bonus bets.

Ends: Jan. 5, 2025

Claim $150

Iowa sports bettors craving the best mobile experience should check out DraftKings IA. The DK sports betting apps are suitable for new and seasoned gamblers, featuring a huge assortment of betting markets and ongoing promos. Iowans can sign-up online or at any of the three DraftKings retail locations in the state.

Our DraftKings Review offers further insight into the sportsbook's key features.

• App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.6 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + $1K Deposit Bonus
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

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6. Fanatics Sportsbook Iowa

  

$1,000 in No Sweat Bets

Ends: Dec. 31, 2024

 Claim $1,000

Fanatics — a licensed sports merchandiser — launched its online sportsbook in Iowa on Feb. 6, 2024. Hawkeye State bettors can now access Fanatics Sportsbook, which offers a great rewards program, an intuitive mobile app, and industry-best NFL live streaming.

Check out our Fanatics Sportsbook Review for more information.

• App Store rating: 4.7 (iOS); 3.8 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

21+ and present in IA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF.

Best Iowa sports betting offers and bonuses

Iowa sports betting sites have come out swinging with generous sign-up bonuses and welcome offers for new Hawkeye State bettors. Here are our picks for the best Iowa sportsbook bonuses of 2024:

BetMGM - $1,500 in bonus bets: BetMGM CO allows new users a second chance if they lose their first wager. Should that initial wager lose, you can earn up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets — delivered by BetMGM as up to five $300 bonus bets (equal denominations of 20% of the total amount of the qualifying bet.) Use BetMGM bonus code 'CVRBONUS1500' to activate this offer, which is valid until Dec. 31, 2024.

FanDuel - Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Months of NBA League Pass: FanDuel Iowa checks in with an exciting opportunity for new users. Make a first-time deposit of $5 and place an initial wager of at least $5 to score $150 in bonus bets if your wager is successful. No FanDuel promo code is needed to secure the welcome offer, which expires on Dec. 22, 2024.

bet365 - Bet $5, get $150: The newest sportsbook in Iowa is offering $150 in bonus bets by simply wagering $5 on any sports market with odds of -500 or greater that settle within 30 days of claiming the offer. Use bet365 bonus code 'COVERS' during registration to activate the offer. Alternatively, new bet365 IA can claim the operator's other welcome offer — '$1,000 First Bet Safety Net' — which applies to the user's initial wager. Both offers are valid until Nov. 26, 2024, 6:59 AM ET.

Caesars Sportsbook - $1,000 First Bet on Caesars: Bettors can use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code 'COVERSBONUS1000' and receive up to $1,000 in bonus bets after your initial wager loses. You have 30 days to qualify and the bonus expires 14 days from issuance. 

DraftKings - Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + $1K Deposit Bonus: New DraftKings IA users can make a $5 minimum deposit and $5 wager to claim $150 in bonus bets (six $25 bonus bets). No DraftKings promo code is required to claim this offer, which is available until Jan. 5, 2025 and is awarded only if the first bet is successful.

Fanatics Sportsbook - $1,000 in No Sweat Bets: Register with Fanatics Sportsbook today to receive one (1) no sweat bonus bet per day equal to the amount of your daily wager if it is unsuccessful, up to $100, for the first ten (10) days using the platform. No Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is required, but your qualifying wager must be at least $1 and have odds of -500 or longer. This offer is valid until Dec. 31, 2024. 

21+ and present in IA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF. Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.

Iowa sports betting updates

Iowa sports betting was legalized when Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Bill SF-617 into law in May of 2019.

Review this timeline of Iowa's sports gambling history:

Nov. 18, 2024: Iowa sportsbooks have seen a 15.5% sports betting handle increase year-to-year in October.

Nov. 3, 2024: Latest Iowa poll has Democratic nominee Kamala Harris ahead of Republican counterpart Donald Trump just two days ahead of the U.S. presidential election.

Oct. 16, 2024: Iowa's sports betting handle grows to $100 million as the Hawkeye State sees a massive 74.5% spike in revenue in September. 

Sept. 12, 2024: Online sportsbooks in Iowa collect more online wagers in August than all retail and online sportsbooks combined in June or July.

Aug. 31, 2024: Australian-owned ClutchBet announces exit from all U.S. markets, including Iowa, on Sept. 16, 2024.

Aug. 12, 2024: Iowa's sports betting handle falls in July despite successful ratings for the 2024 Olympic Games. 

July 22, 2024: SuperBook Sports pulls out of eight post-PASPA states, including Iowa. 

July 11, 2024: Iowa's sports betting handle and revenue drop in June, experiencing a $35.8 million month-over-month drop. 

June 11, 2024: Iowa sportsbook enjoy an increased hold rate in May, rising three points to earn a 10.9% win rate for the month. 

May 14, 2024: Iowa sportsbooks collect lowest handle of 2024 in April, receiving a 23.1% month-over-month decrease. 

May 2, 2024: Sportstrade launches iOS betting app in Iowa, allowing bettors to buy and sell bets in real time. 

April 29, 2024: Twenty-six Iowa athletes sue over sports betting investigation that claim violated their constitutional rights. 

April 24, 2024: DRF sports data to close on April 30 in Iowa, but DRF Sportsbook to continue operating as normal.

March 1, 2024: Iowa prosecutors drop sports betting charges against former Iowa State athletes who were among group accused of identity theft and record tampering surrounding underage wagering. 

Feb. 28, 2024: Iowa State athletes claim evidence is inadmissible in push to dismiss gambling charges for underage sports betting.

Feb. 13, 2024: Iowa sports betting declines in January, still bringing in over $250 million in wagers for the month. 

Feb. 6, 2024: Fanatics Sportsbook launches in Iowa, making it the 18th online operator in the state.

Feb. 5, 2024: Iowa Department of Public Safety stands firm on Iowa-Iowa State sports betting investigation, claiming the evidence in the case was obtained in a "constitutionally permissible manner."

Jan. 28, 2024: New details emerge in the sports betting investigation involving Iowa State student-athletes, including illegal search methods by the Iowa DCI.

Jan. 15, 2024: Iowa's betting revenue soars to $26 million in December 2023. The state finishes the year with almost $200 million in sports betting revenue.

Nov. 24, 2023: The Iowa Hawkeyes defeat the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a game with the lowest college football betting total ever. 

Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET goes live with online and mobile sports betting, launching in Iowa and 16 other states.

Nov. 2, 2023: ESPN BET plans to launch on Nov. 14, 2023, with online sports betting going live in 17 U.S. states, including Iowa.  

Aug. 10, 2023: Four Iowa-state football players are charged with tampering with records after allegedly placing wagers on college sports.

Aug. 2, 2023: The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation accuses Iowa State University quarterback Hunter Dekkers of placing sports betting wagers with on team events and tampering with records. 

June 5, 2023: bet365 launches in Iowa, making it the 19th legal online sportsbook. 

May 10, 2023: Iowa's monthly sports betting handle dips 25.8% in April. The state takes in $172.5 million in total wagers after generating $236.2 million in March.

Jan. 11, 2023: Tipico officially launches its sportsbook product in Iowa, making the Hawkeye State the fourth region — Colorado, New Jersey, Ohio — where it operates. 

Nov. 14, 2022: Iowa's sports betting handle increased in October, courtesy of a significant spike in wagers.

Nov. 1, 2022: ClutchBet launches ClutchClash, a first-of-its-kind player matchup tool that allows players to make head-to-head (H2H) player parlays using player prop markets in any eligible NFL or NBA game.

Oct. 27, 2022: SuperBook Sportsbook goes live in Iowa, extending its reach to six states.

Oct. 17, 2022: Fubo closes its sportsbook operation, bringing the total number of online sportsbooks down to 17 in Iowa.

Oct. 11, 2022: Iowa's sports betting handle spiked in September as Hawkeye State bettors embraced football season with open wallets.

Sept. 19, 2022: ClutchBet Sportsbook debuts in the U.S. market with its Iowa launch. The sportsbook is planning to go live in three additional states: Colorado, Indiana, and Louisiana.

Aug. 29, 2022: BlueBet receives a license from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to operate its online sportsbook — ClutchBet — in the state.

April 27, 2022: BlueBet Holdings Ltd announces that its new brand, ClutchBet, will launch in Iowa in "the coming weeks."

Feb. 28, 2022: Lakeside and Hotel Casino announces it will open a DRF Sportsbook on March 3. Daily Racing Form, Lakeside's sister company, owns and operates the sportsbook.

Feb. 16, 2022: MaximBet announces it will soon launch its online sportsbook in Iowa.

Jan. 25, 2022: Daily Racing Form launches DRF Sportsbook, a Kambi-powered online sportsbook, in Iowa. WynnBET also announces it will launch in Iowa in the first quarter of 2022.

Jan. 11, 2022: Iowa's move to remote registration helps the Hawkeye State clear $2 billion in sports betting handle for 2021.

Nov. 8, 2021: Iowa sportsbooks rake in $280 million in wagers during the month of October.

Nov. 3, 2021: Fubo Sportsbook enters the U.S. market as it goes live in Iowa for bettors 21 and older. 

October 2021: Hawkeye State bettors gain access to Betway's online sportsbook.

September 2021: Unibet introduces its sports betting mobile app in Iowa.

Jan. 2021: Fully online sports betting registration comes to Iowa. Players are no longer required to visit a casino to complete the registration process.

Aug. 2019: The first Iowa retail and online sportsbooks launch. William Hill and Elite Sportsbook are the first Iowa betting sites to go live.

May 2019: Iowa sports betting law comes into effect as Gov. Kim Reynolds signs Bill SF-617.

April 2019: Iowa’s sports betting bill, Bill SF-617, passes a senate and house vote.

Is sports betting legal in Iowa?

Yes, sports betting in Iowa is legal and regulated. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Bill SF-617 into law in May 2019, and both land-based and online sports betting commenced on Aug. 15, 2019.

What sportsbooks are legal in Iowa?

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has approved the following 14 online sportsbook operators to date:

1. BetMGM - Best for banking
   
   
2. FanDuel - Best sportsbook
   
   
3. bet365 - Excellent app
   
   
4. Caesars - Best welcome bonus
   
   
5. DraftKings - Intuitive menus
   
   
6. Fanatics Sportsbook - Great NFL live streaming
   
   
7. BetRivers - Best for new bettors
   
   
8. Betfred - Daily promos
   
   
9. ESPN BET - Lots of markets
   
   
10. Circa Sports - High limits
    
    
11. Q Sportsbook - Tiered rewards
    
    
12. DRF Sportsbook - Trusted brand
    
    
13. Bally Bet - Nice odds boosts
    
    
14. Sporttrade - Trade wagers

Legal Iowa sports betting sites

Editor's Note (Aug. 31, 2024): ClutchBet stopped accepting wagers on Sept. 16, 2024. We will continue to share pertinent updates as the situation unfolds. 

Legal Iowa sportsbooks may be found online or at one of the state's licensed casinos. Sports bettors can use a computer or mobile phone anywhere in Iowa or join fellow sports fanatics at a physical sportsbook to place wagers. Hard Rock ceased online operations in Iowa in 2023. 

Iowa's online and mobile sportsbooks

Land-based IA sportsbooks

Latest Iowa sports betting news

Who can bet on sports in Iowa?

Adults 21 and over are permitted to place a sports bet in Iowa. Wagers can be placed via a legal sports betting website, mobile app, or at one of Iowa’s retail sportsbooks.

The following tips will help you get started with legal sports betting in Iowa.

The pros and cons of Iowa sports betting

A major shift in Iowa sports betting took place when remote registration was introduced in 2021. Iowans can now place their first sports bets from the comfort of their own home.

Like many other states with legal sports betting, Iowa does not allow college player prop bets, nor has it yet to legalize action on the NFL Draft.

Remote registration makes Iowa sports betting easy

A myriad sports betting opportunities

Low taxes for operators means more favorable lines for bettors

No NFL Draft betting

No esports betting

No college props wagers

How to start betting in Iowa

Now that Iowans can complete the registration process remotely, placing a legal sports bet has never been easier in the Hawkeye State. 

Casinos are also an option for those who prefer the atmosphere a retail sportsbook provides.

What you can't bet on in Iowa

While Iowans are able to place a wager on nearly any sporting event — locally and internationally — there are a few no-gos in the Hawkeye State.

Politics

Iowa law forbids political betting of any kind. Discussing Iowa caucus betting odds around the water cooler is fine, but that’s as far as you can take things. You won't find any politics when browsing new markets at Iowa sports betting sites.

NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is the league's signature offseason event, but Iowa is one of a handful of U.S. states to outlaw NFL Draft wagering.

esports

Esports betting has not yet been legalized in Iowa, though there does seem to be some momentum building here. Rep. Bobby Kaufmann has sponsored a bill that would regulate esports betting, along with pro sports drafts, and player awards.

Awards shows

Much-hyped celebrity and pop-culture events, such as the Academy Awards, are off-limits at Iowa sportsbooks.

What about Iowa college sports?

Iowa sports bettors may place wagers on any college team in the country. However, individual player prop bets involving in-state schools are not permitted.

Iowa sports betting handle

Iowa eclipsed the $2 billion mark for the third consecutive year in 2023, reporting a final tally of $2.42 billion.

Our team tracks and reports on sports betting revenue generated from each legal market, including their respective monthly handle and hold. Iowa’s sportsbooks have posted the following numbers to date:

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

Home team advantage: Iowa sports

Whether they’ve grown up on Vikings football or reveled in the triumphs of the 2016 World Series-winning Cubs, there is no questioning Iowans’ fandom and allegiances to their favorite clubs.

Cheering on your team is one thing, but placing bets at Iowa sportsbooks is an entirely different story. Always be sure to remain objective when placing sports wagers, as these allegiances can quickly cloud your judgment. Read through our how to bet guides for an overview of betting terms and scenarios.

NHL

Chicago Blackhawks

Minnesota Wild

Get live NHL odds

NBA

Chicago Bulls

Minnesota Timberwolves

Get live NBA odds

NFL

Minnesota Vikings

Chicago Bears

Get live NFL odds

MLB

Chicago Cubs

Minnesota Twins

Get live MLB odds

Although no scheduled fights are coming to the Hawkeye State, the best UFC betting sites and top boxing betting sites allow you to easily browse the markets for every card and back fighters you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.

Iowa sports betting law

When Gov. Reynolds put her signature on Bill SF-617 on May 13, 2019, the Iowa market launch followed in August of that year.

Here's how the legal Iowa sports betting market looks in 2024:

• The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is responsible for the regulation of sports wagering.
  
  
• Only individuals 21 and older can legally wager on sports in Iowa.
  
  
• Iowa does not limit the number of casinos or racinos permitted in the state.
  
  
• 19 casinos/racinos are currently operational and each is authorized three online skins for a total of 57 sites.
  
  
• Iowa gambling winnings are treated as taxable income at 6.75%.
  
  
• Operators must submit 0.75% of gross gaming revenue (GGR) for charitable causes.
  
  
• Iowa law does not allow esports betting or wagers on the NFL Draft.
  
  
• Betting on college sports is allowed, except wagers on Iowa-based teams.

Other types of gambling

Iowa is home to 23 licensed casinos and four tribal casinos. Two of the state’s casinos offer live racing.

Quick facts: Iowa sports betting

Iowa sports betting is red hot with monthly total handle numbers up across the board, thanks to a mature retail sportsbook environment and a blooming online sports betting sector. 

To learn the key takeaways about IA sports betting, examine our table below:

Responsible gaming in Iowa

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has taken preventative measures to ensure programs and resources are available for individuals who feel as if their gambling activity is getting out of hand. Helplines, treatment centres, and self-exclusion lists have all been established to curb the effects of problem gambling in Iowa.

Fifteen of Iowa’s 19 licensed casinos now offer self-exclusion programs. Not all online sportsbooks offer these programs, but sites do provide players with a number of options to manage their betting activity. These tools include deposit and betting limits, timeouts, and self-assessments.

Legal online sportsbooks also allow users to place a wide range of restrictions on themselves. Players can set deposit and betting limits or permanently join the self-exclusion list.

Legal U.S. sports betting markets

Iowa mobilized on legalizing sports gambling following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the federal ban on sports gambling. Outside of Iowa, these U.S. jurisdictions have all introduced sports betting laws:

Legal U.S. sports betting launches

North Carolina sports betting legalized online wagering on March 11, 2024, at 12 p.m. ET. Tar Heel State bettors can now register with several of the top betting sites in 2024, such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and bet365. 

Legal Vermont sports betting went live on Jan. 11, 2024, with FanDuel, DraftKings and Fanatics Sportsbook all available on launch day.

Maine sports betting launched on Nov. 3, 2023, with DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook partnering with local tribes to offer online sportsbook services.

Legal Kentucky sports betting arrived on the scene on Sept. 7, 2023, with the launch of retail sportsbooks. Online sports betting arrived on Sept. 28. 

Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets

There are still a considerable number of states moving toward legal sports betting. 

Here are those which may potentially legalize the practice in the near future:

Iowa sports betting history

The speed with which Iowa sports betting became a reality was the result of a bi-partisan push in the state legislature. Gov. Reynolds's signature made it official in April 2019 and Iowans began placing legal wagers in August.

2024: Fanatics Sportsbook launches its online sportsbook in Iowa.

2023: The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) fined three operators, Rush Street Interactive, Diamond Jo Worth, and Horseshoe Council Bluffs, for credit card, underage gambling, and self-exclusion violations respectively. Hard Rock leaves the online sports betting market in Iowa. 

2022: The Iowa sports betting handle tops $300 million for the first time. 

2021: Iowa's in-person registration requirement expires, allowing Iowa sports betting customers to register and fund an account online.

2020: IRGC adopts permanent regulations for sports wagering.

2019: Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law Senate File 617, a bill that allows land-based and mobile wagering via casinos and racetracks. 

Iowa sports betting resources

Review some of our favorite Iowa sports betting resources to further your industry knowledge:

• Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC): Regulatory body tasked with administering Iowa sports betting laws and rules
  
  
• Approved Iowa Sports Wagers: Complete list of approved sports wagers in Iowa
  
  
• Iowa sports betting revenue: Access sports wagering revenues in Iowa
  
  
• Iowa self-exclusion program: Allows individuals to exclude from all casino, racetrack, sports wagering, and fantasy sports operators licensed by the state. 

Iowa sports betting conclusion

Once required to travel to a retail locale just to register with a sportsbook, Iowa sports bettors now have access to one of the more competitive U.S. markets in 2024, thanks to remote registration. Not only are there 14 online Iowa sportsbooks to choose from, but the opportunity to wager on college sports and the favorable lines induced by low tax rates for operators makes the experience fun and accessible.

While there are a few drawbacks for players — such as the inability to bet on the NFL Draft — Iowa sports betting covers all of the major areas of interest and does so well.